DAVIE, Fla. -- Ryan Tannehill was tested during his first two years with the Miami Dolphins. In 2012, he was a rookie starter surrounded by veterans. Last year, Tannehill gained some comfort but still wasn’t a vocal leader the Dolphins desperately needed it.

However, times appear to be changing for Tannehill in Year 3. In what is essentially a make-or-break year for Tannehill, who is 15-17 as a starter, he is already showing the kind of fiery leadership the Dolphins lacked from past quarterbacks.

Tannehill got into the face of two receivers and yelled at them for missed assignments Tuesday during the opening of mandatory minicamp. It was uncharacteristic to see the mild-mannered Tannehill chewing out teammates in public. But it could be another step in the right direction for Tannehill's overall development. ...

If there was any doubt about Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill's ability to take charge of the offense, all you had to do was observe Tuesday's minicamp practice. It might have been his most promising display of the offseason.

The offense was looking ragged. And Tannehill, not known for having a fiery disposition, yelled at wide receivers Rishard Matthews, a third-year player who has proven reliable, and Gerald Ford, an undrafted rookie, on separate occasions for their miscues.

It was nothing disrespectful, rather it was a sign of Tannehill's maturity, leadership and comfort.

"Now I'm more apt to step up and say something, make a statement," Tannehill said. "That's part of playing the quarterback position. Now I feel comfortable. I have the respect of my teammates around me and now I can do that."